Milwaukee winter warming centers to extend hours over weekend due to extreme cold
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With extreme cold and dangerously low wind chills expected in the coming days, several winter warming locations in Milwaukee will be operating with extended hours this weekend.
“The weather in our city will bring dangerously cold temperatures,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “I want everyone to be safe. So, I encourage people to protect themselves and to look out for family members and neighbors who might need assistance.”
County leaders are stressing anyone who shows up at a warming center will not be turned away, even if the beds are full.
During the day, people who need to get warm are encouraged to go to places like libraries, community and senior centers, even the courthouse.
St. Ben's Warming Center downtown is open 24 hours a day through Sunday, Jan. 25. The county has six overnight warming centers and is prepared to add more spaces if needed.
Local leaders are telling everyone to stay inside, but if you go outside at all, bundle up with layers, cover your hands, feet, head, neck and face. Make sure vehicles have full gas tanks or charges, make sure phones are charged and accessible. Bring pets inside, watch out for slippery surfaces, and watch out for each other.
"Take this cold weather extremely seriously. for your own health, it is crucial to limit your outdoor exposure. You want to make sure you're checking on your neighbors, checking on seniors, young people, people who may live by themselves, as well as individuals with disabilities," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
The Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management has been conducting outreach all day on the streets to make sure people have places to go.
Last year, more than 1,500 people visited warming centers in Milwaukee County.
If you're in need of shelter or have any questions about it, the first step is to call 211.
The following are hours of operation at winter warming locations in the City of Milwaukee:
Men only:
• Guest House of Milwaukee, 1216 N. 13 Street
- Open all day Jan. 23
- Open until 12 p.m. on Jan. 24 and Jan. 25
• Milwaukee Rescue Mission, 830 N. 19th Street
- Call 414-935-0240 before visit
Singles only:
• Repairers of the Breach, 1335 W. Vliet Street
- Open all day on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24
• St. Ben's Parish, 930 W. State Street
- Open all day Jan. 21-Jan. 26
• St. Vincent de Paul, 931 W. Madison Street
- Open Jan. 23 and Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
• Unity Lutheran Church, 1025 E. Oklahoma Avenue
- Open all day Jan. 23
- Open until 12 p.m. on Jan. 24 and 25
Anyone in Milwaukee County in need of assistance during the extreme cold can call 211 or toll-free at (866) 211-3380 for help and referrals to resources.